Interesting, I first saw this automatic trans behavior as early as about Y2K in a midrange Mercedes but only with the cruise control on, and it did actually dow

Interesting, I first saw this automatic trans behavior as early as about Y2K in a midrange Mercedes but only with the cruise control on, and it did actually downshift to set up the engine braking effect. I've never encountered it with cruise control off though. Ford trucks with a Tow/Haul button enabled will do exactly what you describe though, especially if you tap the brake for an instant while going downhill.